Ahead of Commonwealth Games 2022, The Daily Guardian spoke to Indian Hockey player Akashdeep Singh about his preparations for the upcoming event to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Excerpts:
Q: You were part of the 2014 CWG team when the team won silver, so your memories and, according to you, where we missed competing against Australia that year.
A: Yes, we competed well and, as the silver medallists in 2014 final, we fell to the Australians. We have learned a lot since 2014, and given the way we are practicing right now, if we play our natural game, we can skate by and defeat any team with ease.
Q: You once said in the Corona era last year that not being able to access the field or engage in outdoor training can lead to stress among athletes… What was the stress like and how did you deal with it?
A: During the Corona period, we were running our camp in Bangalore. We were stuck here. The advantage of this thing was that we got to do personal training and also improve our skills.
Q: You were a part of the Rio Olympics and also won gold at the Asian Games in 2014, but unfortunately, you were omitted from the Tokyo Olympics bus, and then again you were considered for the Asian Champions trophy. How has this coming and going in the squad affected the momentum of your game?
A: Yes, it does make a difference mentally. It was very disappointing for me not to be selected for the Tokyo Olympics, but the coach and staff told me that I have to work on areas that are lacking, so I am working on those things. I have got a chance to be on the team again. I hope that we do well in the Commonwealth Games.
Q: What are your preparations for CWG 2022? What are your expectations and your thoughts on the current form of the hockey team?
A: We have been running a camp for 3 weeks in Bangalore. And training is going very well. We play matches with the teams as well. All the players are confident and our goal is to win the gold medal. is all set.
Q: According to you what is the form of the Indian Hockey team?
A: We have competed in Pro League contests. In the Pro League, we have done incredibly well. We came in third place, but the best teams—Germany and Belgium—performed admirably alongside them. Teams from England and Argentina have lost. Thus, the group is functioning fairly well.
Q: The 2021 Tokyo Olympics – the country’s first Olympic medal in 41 years – the feeling.
A: It was a great moment not only for me but for everyone who loves hockey. My teammates were also very happy.
Q: Your journey from Punjab to London, there should be a movie on it right?
A: We are all from Jalandhar Academy, so we used to train together there and worked hard. We won the Junior Nationals, then we came to the Junior Camp from Punjab, and then we got selected for the Seniors. Slowly, the changes were used up and we did well, as in the 2014 Asian Games, which we won after a long time and a silver medal in the Commonwealth. Our team’s overall performance in the World Cup was also fine. When we started playing, the team was ranked 11th, and now the team has improved to a 3–4th rank. Now the goal is to bring the team to the world No. 1 rank.
Q: We haven’t won a gold medal ever, but he has won a silver medal twice. Should we expect one this time?
A: Yes, I assure you. We have improved a lot and can beat any team. We will bring gold this time.
Q: Is this a kind of pressure on you, or do you take it as a responsibility to grab one for your country?
A: There is a lot of pressure in major tournaments like the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games. Because it happens after 4 years, we play with the thought that we have to perform well. This time around, we will play with the same thought process and keep our mindset strong. So, I am sure we will come up with a gold medal.
Q: How aggressive would you be as a member of the team under Graham Reid?
A: Yes, there is a lot of excitement. Now I am playing attacking mid, earlier I used to play forward. Graham guides me a lot after every match. They tell us what we need to improve, we write it down in a diary and work on it.
Q: Please send your message to the CWG contingent who will represent team India in Birmingham in the Punjabi language.
A: Chakk de Phatte!